Outstanding community volunteers and supporters of all walks of life come together each day to assist Hospice of Santa Barbara in its mission to provide free care for anyone experiencing the impact of life-threatening illness or grieving the death of a loved one. HSB will recognize three incredible individuals who have lent their time and talents to make a significant difference both to the organization and to the community by advancing compassionate end-of-life care in Santa Barbara.

HSB invites the community to join them for their third annual Heroes of Hospice awards luncheon Sept. 24 at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. The luncheon begins at noon. The focal point of the event will be the recognition of the “Heroes.”

Meet the Heroes:

Dr. Stephen HoseaLocally, Dr. Stephen Hosea became the point man for the battle against AIDS in the 1980s and ‘90s, and Hospice of Santa Barbara is thrilled to honor this pioneer in end of life education. While untrained in providing hospice at the time of the AIDS outbreak, Dr. Hosea turned to late HSB CEO Gail Rink, who the doctor says helped him through these dark times. HSB has relied on Dr. Hosea’s expertise as well, and in 2002 he was named medical advisor for the HSB Board of Directors. Now having practiced medicine for 40 years, Dr. Hosea spends the majority of his time at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital teaching resident physicians. He says that one of the most important lessons he has to offer is how to advise and educate patients in their final days and their families – lessons he learned while battling the AIDS epidemic.Specializing in treating infectious diseases, Dr. Hosea has been practicing in Santa Barbara since 1981. He graduated from Harvard University Medical School and completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hosea is the Co-Director of the Santa Barbara County HIV Clinic and a clinical professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Hosea co-authored a training series called “Finding Meaning in Medicine”, which brings physicians together to assist them in holding to their values, humanity and excellence, as well as renewing their commitment to themselves, their patients and medicine.

Alan MillerFormer Hospice of Santa Barbara Foundation Trustee Alan Miller is accepting the Heroes of Hospice award on behalf of the late Hector Guy DiStefano, who left a substantial endowment to the HSB Foundation.A certified public accountant, Alan has been operating his own firm since 1980. Among his clients was Hector, who had no children and left his fortune to several charities and nonprofits, including HSB. Hector’s wealth was primarily from stock inherited by his late wife, Doris Di Stefano. “I am not the hero,” said Alan. “He is.”The generous gift has allowed HSB to continue on its mission to provide compassionate care to the dying and bereavement counseling, making Alan and Hector true Heroes of Hospice. Despite the sizeable fortune, Hector very much flew under the radar and enjoyed simple hobbies such as gardening and reading. Hector served as a pilot during World War II in the Army Air Corps, flying B-24 Liberators out of North Africa. Alan has some 50 years in the accounting field and earned an impressive record of fostering company growth for a variety of companies, from start-ups to large businesses. Alan has been operating a private practice in Santa Barbara since 1980, specializing in small business and individual accounting, taxation and tax planning.

Catherine RemakWith over two decades of experience in radio broadcast, Catherine Remak has one of the most recognizable voices around. Catherine co-hosts the long-running “Gary and Catherine in the Morning” on KLITE, owns CR Voice Productions and has lent her voice to thousands of television and radio commercials. But Hospice of Santa Barbara is delighted to recognize her as one of our Heroes of Hospice because she has also become an advocate for the importance of hospice care and a “champion for nonprofits”. Catherine has served on the HSB Board of Directors and volunteered her services as an emcee for the annual HSB Light Up A Life ceremonies over the last 15 years.Catherine first came in contact with HSB in 2001 to utilize its services following the death of her father. She was struck by the services Hospice brings free of charge, and with help from HSB, Catherine was able to make it through a dark time in her life. She continues to support HSB’s mission and refer community members to it.Catherine also works part-time at the Council for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse as Director of Corporate Development and Communications and has served on the boards of The Friendship Center, Make a Wish Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates and Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.Emeritus Board RecognitionHospice of Santa Barbara will also recognize emeritus board members Gerd Jordano and Kenny Slaught at the Heroes of Hospice event.

Tickets for Heroes of Hospice may be purchased by calling (805) 563-8820. For more, visit http://www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.Hospice of Santa Barbara “volunteers” its free professional counseling and care management services those who are experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness, or grieving the death of a loved one. Hospice of Santa Barbara is also present on six local high school campuses to work with children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.

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California does not require licensing for volunteer hospices, so long as neither a charge is made for its services, nor is skilled nursing provided. The State Attorney General monitors operations.

Hospice of Santa Barbara

Compassionate Care, Freely Given

Hospice of Santa Barbara offesr free counseling, support groups, resources and community education meeting the emotional, social and spiritual needs of people facing or grieving the death of a loved one.